Method for handling and dipping flexible belts using a spring and shaft assembly

Abstract

This invention discloses a method of holding and transporting a hollow flexible belt throughout a coating process. The method includes placing a spring and shaft assembly into the hollow portion of a seamless flexible belt, and expanding the spring portion of the assembly until it is transformed into a belt carrying chucking device. The chucking device is then attached to a mechanical handling device, and the the belt is transported through the dipping and coating process. This allows the belt to be transformed into an organic photoreceptor. The chucking device and flexible belt are then removed from the mechanical handling device, and the chuck is removed from the inside of the photoreceptor.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of handling and dipping a flexible belt defining a closed loop comprising: a) providing a mechanical handling device at an end of a spring and shaft assembly, wherein said spring and shaft assembly includes a spring mounted to a shaft such that an inside surface of said spring is attached to an outer surface of said shaft;   b) placing said spring of said spring and shaft assembly inside a circumference defined by the flexible belt;   c) expanding said spring in a radial direction from said shaft, to engage an interior portion of the flexible belt in sealing and carrying relationship therewith;   d) transporting said spring and shaft assembly and the flexible belt along a path to a fluid reservoir;   e) dipping the flexible belt in a fluid contained in said fluid reservoir;   f) transporting said spring and shaft assembly and the flexible belt out of and away from said fluid reservoir; and   g) removing said spring and shaft assembly from the interior of the flexible belt.   
     
     
       2. The method of handling and dipping a flexible belt of claim 1 wherein said placing step comprises: a) exerting an inward force on said spring, thereby causing a diameter of said spring to decrease in size; and   b) inserting said compressed spring into said circumference of the flexible belt.   
     
     
       3. The method of handling and dipping a flexible belt of claim 2 wherein said expanding step comprises releasing said inward force, thereby causing said spring to expand in a radial direction and come in contact with an inside surface of the flexible belt. 
     
     
       4. The method of handling and dipping a flexible belt of claim 2 wherein said removing step comprises: a) exerting an inward force on said spring such that a diameter of said spring decreases in size; and   b) lifting said chucking device from the circumference of the flexible belt.   
     
     
       5. The method of handling and dipping a flexible belt of claim 1 wherein said placing step comprises: a) releasing an outward force that has been applied to said spring thereby causing a diameter of said spring to decrease in size; and   b) inserting said compressed spring into said circumference of the flexible belt.   
     
     
       6. The method of handling and dipping a flexible belt of claim 5 wherein said expanding step comprises applying an outward force to said spring, thereby causing it to expand in a radial direction and come in contact with an inside surface of the flexible belt. 
     
     
       7. The method of handling and dipping a flexible belt of claim 5 wherein said removing step comprises: a) releasing an outward force that has been applied to said spring such that a diameter of said spring decreases in size; and   b) lifting said chucking device from the circumference of the flexible belt.   
     
     
       8. The method of handling and dipping the flexible belt of claim 1 wherein said dipping step comprises: a) lowering the flexible belt and said belt carrying chucking device into a coating bath containing a fluid;   b) maintaining an axis of the belt in a vertical position;   c) soaking the flexible belt in said fluid; and   d) raising the flexible belt and said belt carrying chucking device out of said coating bath.   
     
     
       9. The method of handling and dipping a flexible belt of claim 8 wherein said fluid is a solution used to manufacture photosensitive devices.